This Woven Kingdom, #2
These Infinite Threads
by Tahereh Mafi
Contents
Twenty-One
Overview
Kamran embraces the ritual of dressing as a rare refuge, confronting his grief, self-doubt, and fear of being judged unfit by Diviners. He secretly prepares to flee with supplies and the Book of Arya. A cryptic warning about his cloak heightens suspicion, and he rushes out, only to encounter Omid and Miss Huda causing a scene with palace staff, ending on a startling reveal.
Summary
Kamran submits to the dinner-dressing ritual and, for the first time, finds calm in its enforced silence and protective weight. Grief for Zaal and a memory of being called weak unsettle him, sharpening his awareness that he’s ruled by emotion. He avoids summons from Zahhak and the gathering Diviners, fearing their judgment and the upheaval it would bring.
Keeping the Book of Arya close, Kamran searches in vain for its secrets while secretly stockpiling food and water for a weeklong escape. He plans to appear to attend dinner only to slip out under cover of night and move his hidden crates to the dock.
His valet, Sina, relays that a Diviner told him to remind Kamran about his cloak waiting in his room. Alarmed by the implication that they anticipate his movements, Kamran immediately dons the cloak, secures the book, and heads out, intent on reaching the stables and leaving unnoticed.
Hearing Omid arguing in the front hall, Kamran moves to intervene and finds Miss Huda with the boy, both defying a footman. Miss Huda claims they are there by the prince’s order and invokes her ambassador father. Kamran rounds the corner into the commotion and, confronted by the unexpected scene, stops in shock.
Who Appears
- KamranGrieving prince; avoids Diviners, plans a covert escape with supplies and the Book of Arya, then confronts a hallway commotion.
- OmidYoung messenger returns late; argues with footmen while insisting on access to the prince.
- Miss HudaOutspoken ambassador’s daughter; forces entry claims, argues with staff alongside Omid, invoking the prince’s authority.
- SinaKamran’s discreet valet; delivers a Diviner’s pointed reminder about the prince’s cloak.
- DivinersArrive en masse; their presence unnerves Kamran, one hints at his cloak, suggesting surveillance.
- ZaalLate king; remembered stern words about strength intensify Kamran’s self-doubt and resolve.
- ZahhakSends repeated summons Kamran evades; represents looming judgment by nobles and priests.
- FootmenPalace staff blocking entry; argue with Omid and Miss Huda during the nighttime disturbance.